Struggling B.C. flood victims claim Red Cross has cut financial supports
In a matter of moments, decades of memories and belongings were wiped out inside the home of Anastasia Schell.
She and her family were among the thousands of Sumas Prairie residents forced to evacuated their homes during last year's catastrophic floods.
“We lost 35 years together with my husband. Everything from family photos, videos, wedding photos,” Schell said.
Schell says she and her family were bounced around low-end hotels for months before the Red Cross stepped up with legitimate assistance.
She claims the organization said they would provide $1,300 per month for rent for half a year, and another $600 for basic needs.
"I remember sitting there crying because I was so overwhelmed that they were going to do that for us,”
That relief however, didn’t last long.
Schell says after around two months, the Red Cross pulled the plug on financial supports.
"I got a phone call from my caseworker, and he went through the information to verify everything. Then he said, 'Well just to let you know we're not helping anymore,'" Schell recalled.
"It's not fun, it's not easy, it's not fair," she said.
She says there are plenty of others out there going through the same thing.
One of those people is Mary Dyck, who says she was assured of having half of the rent paid for six months, but the support only lasted half of that time.
“It's happening to a lot of families, there's several of us that are in the same boat," Dyck said.
After media attention and inquiries on these claims, the Red Cross sent a statement to CTV News.
“The Red Cross has followed up to ensure people affected by the flooding understand and have access to the supports that are available," it read.
After she spoke to CTV News, Schell says the relief organization called her to apologize for what’s happened, and told they will call back Tuesday to work to restore funding for everyone.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.